History’s ‘Vikings’ Renewed for Third Season

There are more conquests to be had for History’s “Vikings,” as the cabler has announced it has ordered a 10-episode third season of creator Michael Hirst’s historical drama series.

The renewal comes four episodes into the second season of the scripted series, a ratings success that is part of a rebranding that includes 2012’s “Hatfields & McCoys” and last winter’s simulcast airing of “Bonnie & Clyde” with sister channels Lifetime and A&E.

“ ‘Vikings’ has taken viewers by storm and has established itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television. With its large, passionate and loyal fan base, ‘Vikings’ has cemented History firmly in the scripted series genre, just as we are the leaders in reality television,” said Dirk Hoogstra, exec VP and g.m. of History and H2. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such an enormously talented cast and crew led by Michael Hirst whose intricately woven storylines vividly brings the unknown, epic world of these Norsemen to life. Season three promises to immerse viewers even deeper into the exploits of these fearless warriors who are willing to risk it all for conquest and power.”

The show is an international Irish/Canadian co-production being co-produced by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions, with History broadcasting domestically in the U.S. It is produced in association with Shaw Media, and the series also airs on History in Canada. MGM Television brought the series to the History and brings “Vikings” to global audiences, as the worldwide distributor outside Ireland and Canada.

Hirst is exec producer with Morgan O’Sullivan of World 2000, John Weber of Take 5 Production, Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn, and Sheila Hockin. Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs are the executives in charge of production for History.